Top Tips for New Runners

Summer is almost upon us, and with the nicer weather comes the urge to be outside more, and potentially try to get fit. It’s the time of the year when many people take up running, but not many make it past the first few weeks (or even days!) So how can you give yourself the best possible chance of making it a habit and becoming a healthier, happier and hopefully more fulfilled version of yourself? We outline our top tips for becoming a runner below.

1. Find a time you can run and be consistent

Everyone has different pressures and stresses in their life so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to this. But running has to be something that has a fixed place in your schedule: if you make it something you do when you have time, you will never get around to it. Put it in your diary - that can be in the morning before your day starts if that’s easiest for you, or in the evening if you are more of a late person. Also, make sure you are not being too ambitious with how often you will run. It is better to schedule it twice a week and actually do it, than to attempt to run every day but give up after a week.

2. Join a group or club

Joining a running club can be intimidating. We all assume that we will be the slowest there, and that others will look down on us for our shortcomings. But the reality is very different. Running is so much more popular than it was twenty or thirty years ago, meaning that the average runner is no longer a serious amateur athlete aiming to constantly improve their personal bests, but instead runners are just the average person. It is telling that the average Parkrun time (5k) is now slower than 30 minutes with many participants running times closer to one hour, times achievable by anyone with even the most basic application. Furthermore, there are so many ‘running groups’ now, organized by adults more for the social aspect than for serious training, making the barriers to entry much lower. So just take the plunge and find a group near you to join - the sense of community and social aspect will make the whole experience more enjoyable and lend an element of accountability to your running.

3. Regularly do your local Parkrun

Parkrun is arguably the biggest health and fitness success that the UK has seen over the last 10 years, with events now spanning 22 countries. Seeking out a Parkrun on a Saturday morning, wherever you are in the world, is a guaranteed way to enjoy some endorphin-releasing activity at the start of your weekend, experience a sense of community and enjoy being in nature. I have never come away from a Parkrun without feeling glad I did it.

4. Enter Events

Parkruns are a great way to get started, but as humans we are very goal-orientated: we always want something to aim for. Signing up to actual races, whether that be a local 10k, one of the world marathon majors or even a trail race, can be an excellent way to give you motivation and keep you motivated. There really is something for everyone out there, and running’s popularity means that a simple Google search is almost guaranteed to find you something nearby any weekend you wish.

5. Enjoy being in nature

Not everyone lives in the nicest environment for running, and sometimes it can be de-motivating if you do the same urban loop every time you step out the door. Try to mix it up sometimes by getting into nature - even if that is just around a local park, seeing the greenery, hearing birdsong and feeling the tranquility of being a little further removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life will help energise you and keep you motivated.

6. Clothing

Many of us like the chance to dress up, and running can be an opportunity for that too! Find clothes and shoes you like, so it gives you that bit of extra excitement getting out of the door, knowing you are going to experience that bouncy feeling of a new pair of race shoes, or look great in those photos with your local run club.

Running can be daunting. But all the tips above can help you find real enjoyment from getting out of the door and enjoying nature, the company of others and your body’s release of endorphins. Happy running!